The Centennial College training for those parties interested in becoming developmental services workers teaches everything they need to know to enter the field in just two years. That’s because this offering, which results in an Ontario College Diploma, boasts a curriculum that reflects current issues and developments. Emphasis is placed on in-depth analysis and critical thinking, managing and affecting change, interpersonal communication and leadership skills as well as clarification of values. Not only that, but future developmental services workers who attend this program also apply what they have learned in various ways prior to graduation.

To apply for Centennial College’s Development Services Worker program, students are required to have an Ontario College Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have completed the English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Once accepted, Developmental Services Worker program students will discover that the program curriculum allows for use of learning tools such as projects, seminars, community observations, Internet searches, teamwork and electronic communication.

These hands-in techniques, which cover a variety of topics, allow students to master skills that include in-depth analysis and critical thinking, managing and affecting change, interpersonal communication and leadership skills as well as clarification of values, helping people to fill valued social roles, teaching and the provision of personal support. Among the topics that developmental services workers cover in the offering are: interpersonal skills development, valued social roles, social psychology, pharmacology, history of disability and more.

Not only do these program’s future developmental services workers apply what they learn on campus, they also have the opportunity to see what the industry is like prior to graduation through two field placements. In the third and fourth semesters, students gain applied experience supporting people who have intellectual disabilities within different contexts. Students have the opportunity to take the responsibility for designing and implementing plans or strategies to teach and support individuals and/or work with communities. Some field placement agencies may require a criminal reference check prior to student placement. Certain criminal convictions may disallow placement in these agencies and program completion may not be possible.

Upon graduation, developmental services workers may also obtain titles such as educational assistant, support worker, residential support worker and employment supporter. While the different roles may have different specific duties, the professionals in the Developmental Services Workers field who train at Centennial College all have the know-how to: complete and maintain client history and background forms; participate in the development and implementation of person directed plans; support individuals to develop and maintain relationships within the family and community; manage individual medication; develop and apply crisis intervention strategies; be responsible for modeling and promoting a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a safe environment; and more.

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